Professor Avraam Zelilidis (geologist – energy expert) on the Naftemporiki channel regarding the government's announcements on the exploitation of Greek natural gas deposits south of Crete and in “Block 2” of the Ionian Sea.
Despite the initial enthusiasm for the developments, the professor emphasized that the positive elements is not the result of strategic planning by Greece, But: «It's because they're forcing it. Exxon got into plot 2 because the pipeline is right next to it—it's easy to use.».
The professor emphasized that the government's change of stance comes with a delay of 6.5 years, while the country as a whole fell behind 30 years to exploit mineral resources.
The key points of his analysis:
- Exxon's entry into Block 2 was no accident; the pipeline and infrastructure are located nearby.
- Block 2 is considered easy to exploit: shallow water depth (500 m), close connection to the grid.
- Europe signed an agreement with the US to import American LNG worth 250 billion euros, but the deposits in the eastern Mediterranean are now considered a more profitable solution.
- The deposits being examined south of Crete and in the Ionian Sea have been classified as “American reserve” given that the exploitation rights belong to an American company.
«The reserves extracted from Greece will be sold in Europe as American.»
- The trilateral agreement Israel – Cyprus – Greece actively restores the pipeline EastMed, which had previously been abandoned.
Schedule
- Spring 2027: first drilling by Exxon.
- If everything goes smoothly, 3–4 years later production will begin.
- Assessment: exploitation of deposits in about 8 years.
Although enthusiastic about the prospect, the professor expressed strong reservations: «I am concerned about the 18-month period. It is an election year. I wish it could happen tomorrow so that I could say “the water has entered the channel”. Right now, I cannot say that.»
He concludes with a resounding statement: «If we exploit the deposits, poverty will end, debt will end.»
Yes, well, Dr. Zel convinced us too...
The country's self-identification tends to become a springboard, wherever it may be.
The big issue for the people is that nothing was said or promised that would benefit them and, by extension, the country.
Instead of using our only proprietary energy source, namely lignite, we are caught up in a frenzy of daydreaming.
The only model of hydrocarbon management that has a positive impact on society is the Norwegian one, period, and this is not done by the local bigwigs, but rather by foreign powers.